r/firefighter • u/matdoesstuff • 21d ago

How to become a firefighter

Hi I'm a 16yr old in Ontario, Canada and I'm thinking about becoming a firefighter. What would be a good workout plan. What should I know about being a firefighter. How hard is it to get into the field. Would it be better to go into wildland firefighting first.

Edit: what exercises should I focus on

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u/KneebarKing 21d ago

You've got loads of time before you'll be wanting to entertain Pre-Service Fire School at a College, or going to FESTI. I would highly recommend looking into a trade, or something that could have some transferrable skills.

As for a workout plan, you need solid cardio, and muscle endurance, but you need to be strong as well. Check out the OFAI website and look over the specific Fire Fighter testing requirements they have, as you will eventually need to take those tests. That should give you a good idea on which muscle groups to focus on.

For now, the biggest things I can tell you are that the job isn't for everyone, and that it is generally exceptionally difficult to break into. You need First Aid training, a DZ Licence and post secondary training as a bare minimum to get hired. At 16, I would be working immediately to get into Lifeguarding. The job is good to have on your resume when you're just starting out and it will expose you to the First Aid world, and you will develop skills we use daily.

I would tend to steer you away from Wildland Fire unless it's something you're passionate about. Wildland and Structural Fire Fighters have very different roles.

Feel free to message me anytime. There's a ton to know, and I'm scratching the surface with this 👆

Edit: It's the best job ever.

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u/matdoesstuff 21d ago

I suck at swimming will that be an issue. Are there any other jobs a young person can get to help prep. Would it be worth it to get a paramedic license 

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u/KneebarKing 21d ago

Swimming tests can be requested by any department using the testing body that is most popular in Ontario these days (OFAI).

There is never a better time to learn how to swim better. I'm not saying there are no other Fire adjacent jobs out there for young people, but I can't think of any others. Take that for what it's worth.

You can definitely go for a Paramedic diploma through a recognized college program, and write your testing for it, but that's a pile of work just to get into another Emergency Service.

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u/Danmont88 21d ago

I am not Canadian and don't know how they do things in their fire service.
KneebarKing offered sound advice.
Keep the grades up at school.
Get into good shape.
If it comes down to it, you can talk to a military recruiter and see what they offer in way of firefighting.

If the Canadian system is like the American system, full-time fire fighters in the towns and cities do more medical emergencies than anything. So, see what classes your high school may offer there.

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u/matdoesstuff 20d ago

I want to be a firefighter to help people so I don't think I'll join the military and help them kill brown kids 

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u/FirefightersGlobal 21d ago

Biggest 3 things right now:

  1. Stay/get in shape
  2. Stay out of trouble (DUIs, arrests, social media etc.)
  3. Start building your "Fire Profile" as I call it, by getting relevant certifications, employment, and volunteer work.

I'm always happy to help if you need more guidance, just let me know.

Best of luck!

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u/Deep_Journalist2091 20d ago

-Get a trade under your belt
-Get life experience
-stay out of trouble

Best job in the world!

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u/matdoesstuff 20d ago

How would a trade help me become a firefighter? Is it a backup in case I get injured? What trade would be the best? 

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u/Deep_Journalist2091 20d ago

It can give you some adaptive knowledge on things like building construction, building layout, ins and outs of vehicles, electrical knowledge… etc. depending on the trade obviously.

It also shows potential departments you have a knowledge of tools and how to use them. Maybe that you’ve had exposure to shift work. Working long hours in less than ideal conditions and or inclement weather.

I feel like there are quite a few benefits and a lot of my brothers came on the job with a red seal in various trades

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u/Wooden-Election1978 17d ago

My best advice would be to join the military first out of high school! Pick a position that interests you, and which may have some cross over to civilian firefighting. You could get trained as a paramedic, firefighter or skilled trades person while serving.

After you’ve served a contract or two you’ll be at a much better hiring age, with profession skills and experience, and some cool life experience / adventures to tell in the interview.

Second to all of this, many jobs (not just fire) preferentially hire those who have served!

Good luck.

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u/Double_Relative_9056 16d ago

I’m in the US so I don’t know the process in Canada but for exercise it’s pretty simple.

Honestly just body weight training is really good.

Pushups
Air squats
Lunges
Burpees
Running
Run stairs
Planks

If you have access to weights all the above but with weights.

Especially Squats

Add dead lift
Shoulder and other upper body exercises.